Top 115 Songs of 2015, #40 - 31

Meg Mac, Golden Features, Christine and The Queens + Kita Alexander!

#115 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80 - 71

#70 - 61

#60 - 51

#50 - 41

#40. MY OWN WAY

by Kita Alexander

Would you still dance with me

If you could get my heart for free?

Wonder teen, Kita Alexander has the brightest of futures ahead of her. With just one song, she was able to secure the services of Empire of the Sun, one of Sia's producers and the management behind Angus and Julia Stone and Lana Del Rey. She's been touted as the next big thing, will without a doubt place in the upcoming triple J Hottest 100 and you're likely to see her pop up all over the world over the next twelve months. That song was 'My Own Way', cool in the way that Alexander seems perfectly in control, yet without a care in the world. If this is as good as Kita Alexander is upon her debut, she deserves all of the amazing things coming her way. (Matt Bond) 

#39. IS THIS LOVE?

by Karl S. Williams

Is this pain what I needed

To awaken my mind from its sleeping?

I was walking past a pub once, and as I wandered by I pointed and spoke out loud the words that were written on the blackboard out the front. Those words were “Karl S Williams”. As I said them, Karl S Williams walked around the corner, nodded and said “hey” before walking in the door of said pub. I was dumbfounded, I literally LOL-ed and at that exact moment I decided I loved Karl S Williams. That moment and then this moment, this sweet, sweet tale of love, those gentle strings pulling at every emotion, the piano bringing in all the emotions and Karl’s incredible vocal pleading with me to listen closer, over and over. That and Thelma in the clip. No need to ask Karl, from that first amusing “hey” outside that pub through to all the words you sing. Yes. Love. (Jo Michelmore) 


Karl S Williams, musical fool. And what a romantic musical fool he's proven himself to be with 'Is This Love?' From the beautiful orchestration and soaring (and I mean SOARING) vocals to Williams' 'do you want me by your side' confused questioning throughout, the answer to the question in the title becomes quite obvious. At least from the viewpoint of the listener. So, is it love that Williams is feeling? Totally. I mean, who wouldn't fall in love with Thelma Plum? Is there a happy ending though? The video leans towards no and it gets super awkward. Thelma... how could you? :,-( There's even solo reflecting by the water to close things out. Oh, the feels. Damn it all! Karl S Williams, musical genius. (Matt Bond)  

#38. RESONATE

by Avec Sans

And your heart, your heart, your heart

Bears no name to hold me now, to resonate.

Well this is just nifty, isn't it? London's Avec Sans have been steadily releasing moments of electronic intrigue over the past couple of years, with their cover of Kate Bush's 'Running Up That Hill' and the tracks 'All Of Time', 'Shiver' and 'Hold On' earning a ton of play around these parts. But nothing quite compares to their 2015 release, 'Resonate'. "The sky falls away so they can't see, and the light holds it's place inside of me." As soon as it hits the chorus, 'Resonate' blows up in the most satisfying way. I love when music is described as 'doom pop' and throw electronic in front of that and I reckon it fits this song to a T. Alice Fox and Jack St. James make up Avec Sans. They don't just have amazing names, they're also pretty brilliant at that whole making music thing. Here's to so much more in 2016! (Matt Bond)

Avec Sans have got themselves some nice web hype and internet loving over the last couple of years and I’m super happy to have provided a teeny bit of that hype, because my love of their brand of electronic pop is a super big love. ‘Resonate’ is just like their catalogue of awesome-ness; full of beats you can’t help moving to, Alice Fox’s voice is captivating and Jack St James holds it all together with a style and honesty that makes them shine. The web hype tells me they’re playing SXSW next year, so I’m really looking forward to that web hype becoming more than just hype in 2016. (Jo Michelmore) 

#37. QUEEN OF PEACE

by Florence + The Machine

Suddenly I'm overcome, dissolving like the setting sun

Like a boat into oblivion, Cause you're driving me away.

I didn’t always love Florence + The Machine. It took me a while to understand what all that wailing was about, but now I get it, it’s pretty much a given that Florence can do no wrong with that powerful set of lungs of hers. As for The Machine, does anyone know who they exactly are? What a great gig that would be, travelling the world, playing festivals and stages to millions of adoring fans, but no one really knowing who you are, so being a tourist at every stop would be super easy. What am I doing with my life? Why aren’t I a member of The Machine? Flo and I would be great friends. Instead, I’m just sitting here listening to ‘Queen Of Peace’ over and over again, writing words about how good Florence is. Who am I kidding? I don’t need the writing words bit to be an excuse to do that, I’d be listening over and over again anyway. (Jo Michelmore)

#36. NO HARM IS DONE

by Christine and The Queens ft. Tunji Ige

It's a blur

The pulsing is so loud, surely we'd feel better

If we had something to fight for.

Wait a minute... this isn't in French. Now we can't act all fancy. We weren't going to get away with 'fancy' anyway, but allow me to distract you from that thought with the incredibly smooth and dreamy tones of Christine and The Queens. A determined pop performance against hip hop flavoured beats allows Christine and The Queens' Heloise Letissier to show once more why she is one of the very best music makers in the world right now. Letissier and Philadelphia' Tunji Ige both exude a restrained anger, waiting for the right moment or cause to explode. Dramatic and fantastic in equal measure, 'No Harm Is Done' might not be as 'fancy' as Christine and The Queens' French cuts, but that doesn't make it any less sophisticated. C'est magnifique! (Matt Bond)  


If you think we put Christine and her Queens back in because we needed the fancy again, you’d be mistaken. There’s not even one bit of French in this song, but her slight accent every now and then sure makes English sound better than I’ve ever spoken it. ‘No Harm Is Done’ was released as part of her debut album release in the US, which probably explains the appearance of Tunje Inge rapping in the middle there, because you know, Americans love rap, maybe, or something like that. The real question here is, who are The Queens? What a great gig that would be, travelling the world with no one really knowing who you are etc. What am I doing with my life? Just sitting here lisening to Christine and the Queens over and over again, writing words about how good they are. Wait, de ja vu? That's French. Just checking you’re reading everything I write. But I don’t need the writing words to be an excuse to listen to songs like this. I’ll be listening over and over again anyway. Does anyone see what I’ve just done here? (Jo Michelmore) 

#35. SPRINTER

by Torres

There's freedom to and freedom from

Freedom to run, from everyone.

Torres has been releasing some impressive music in the last few years, the type of things that you may not hear everyone in the world talking about, but the type of music that deserves the all of the quiet attention it has been receiving, and more. ‘Sprinter’, the title track from her third album is painfully brilliant, agreeably unsettling, melancholy without being depressing and thought provoking without being forceful. Its spaces and restrained sounds within make it an outstanding song, one that deserves so much more than just quiet attention. (Jo Michelmore)  


On Torres' Facebook page, her influences contains only one name. Detective Olivia Benson. If that's not enough to make you automatically love her, may I suggest giving her music a listen? Because it's brilliant. Torres, also going by her birth name Mackenzie Scott, released her sophomore LP Sprinter to critical fanfare earlier in the year. It was one of the first albums of 2015 I truly fell for, with some of the most breathtaking lyrical moments of the year and alternative spins on classic Americana sounds. The standout moment would be the title track, 'Sprinter'. Following in the thematic spirit of last year's 'New Skin', 'Sprinter' speaks to all those beaten down by the daily grind. It's one of those 'the struggle is real' kinda tunes, but in a literal sense... not like those bullshit Instagram posts. You grow up and you're tired all the time and nobody tells you that you can't go back to those simple days that went by too fast. Songwriting gold, straight out of Nashville, Tennessee. (Matt Bond)

#34. MAGNETS

by Disclosure ft. Lorde

Pretty girls don't know the things that I know

Walk my way, I'll share the things that she won't.

Like most fourteen year olds, I am obsessed with Lorde and desperate to hear the follow up to her groundbreaking debut, Pure Heroine. In the meantime I'll take whatever comes my way. Whether it be a song or two on a Hunger Games soundtrack or a team up with some English electronic dudes that are pretty great, but I don't go out of my way to listen to. Unless Lorde is on one of their songs. I'll throw people out of my way and push them down some stairs to get to that. Because it has Lorde, and as I've often heard throughout my life, the Lorde is my saviour. SAVE ME, LORDE. Like most fourteen year olds, I am also prone to emotional outbursts when it comes to my idols. You should have seen me at the Taylor Swift concert. Oy. Right, I should be talking about 'Magnets'. Like a piece of metal, it's got some forces working that are pulling me right into it. And the video is fire. And the comments on it about Lorde selling out and getting all sexual are lame-o. Girlfriend is 19, let her live a little. So she macks out with an older dude and then kills him for being a cheating tool. We've all been there once or twice. Right? Stop the hypocrisy, people. Just stop. (Matt Bond)


There was a cheesy pop song released in the early 00s that had a lyric in it that would bring me close to tears every time I heard it. I'm not going to tell you what song it was, that will reveal far too much about my personality. However, that brings me to the concept of how strange it is that sometimes you hear little bits of unexpected songs that affect you. While Disclosure and Lorde do a really good job of making music together, there’s a lyric in ‘Magnets’ that has struck a chord (get it?) with me, that I really adore. But it's sung by Lorde and what would she know? Every time I hear it I think “get out of my head” and “you’re like a teenager, what would you even know?” but you know, music is transcendent and important and all that, so sometimes it’s better to just get lost in songs the way you want to and have a cry without question. Shut up. I won't be judged and I won't tell you what the lyric is, because that will reveal far too much about my personality, but it’s so very true; they don’t know the things that I know. (Jo Michelmore)

#33. WTF (WHERE THEY FROM)

by Missy Elliott ft. Pharrell Williams

Got a new idea, let me switch it

Man, I'm so futuristic.

There is a track in this countdown that makes me so (insert swear word)-ing happy that it’s in here. Because it has been a long, long, LOOOONG wait for something new from Ms Missy Elliot. The last time she released something substantial of her own, this little blog didn’t exist and the last time we saw her she was doing everything about a bazillion tiomes better than Katy Perry during Missy Elliot’s Katy Perry’s halftime performance at the Superbowl. A return like this could have been a disaster, except of course, it couldn’t, because it’s Missy and let’s face it, she’s the best. Like, I mean it. The. Best. 'WTF' is the best. Like, I mean it. The. Best. End. (Jo Michelmore)

I have been hanging out for another Missy Elliott one time exclusive for what feels like an eternity. Years had come and gone without a proper return from the undisputed Queen of Hip Hop and we were all poorer for it. Poorer, I say! No one else can do it quite like 'Misdeameanor', she is force of nature designed to get your body moving with the finest of beats and the fiercest of rap attitudes. Alright, alright... I'm a total fan girl. What of it? When she stole the show joined Katy Perry for a medley of Missy delights during the Super Bowl, everyone must have known there would be no better time than now for Elliott to make her long awaited comeback. I knew it, you knew it and Pharrell Williams knew it... which is why the former (?) N.E.R.D front encouraged her to get her badonk-a-donk-donk back in the studio. And thus 'WTF (Where They From)' was born. Really, what more could we have asked for? This was a return to form that exceeded the ridiculously huge expectations placed upon it. Missy and Pharrell both proved they have plenty of gas in the tank and that they can keep it funky fresh dressed (to impress at any party). What comes next is anyone's guess, but in this moment the original bad gal was back in the game. Thank you, Missy! (Matt Bond)

#32. NO ONE

by Golden Features ft. Thelma Plum

We were only young
We were falling in love.

Everything is better with Thelma Plum. It's something we've been saying for a couple of years now and we keep being able to do it because she keeps proving it true. Need the perfect featured vocalist for your hot new electronic jam? Call in the Plum. Old mate, Golden Features did just that. Yep, Golden Features, all enigmatic and gold mask wearing, is one of the most exciting producers to emerge in the past couple of years. Who's behind the mask? Or is it what's behind the mask? Maybe he's a robot? Maybe this is where the robots begin their assimilation into human society... taking us over from within, one dance hit at a time. Maybe I've recently watched Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Oh well, if this is the kind of sound that will lead the human race into doom, I'm all for it. What? The siren sounds of Thelma Plum and the delicious beats of Golden Features. You'd be all for it too. (Matt Bond)


Well isn’t this a special group of ten songs? One way or another you knew we’d get more than one reference to Thelma Plum in this here countdown and while we’ve been quiet so far, bam! Twice in one ten. Both features to other artists, but we’ll take what we can get, really. When’s that album Thelma? I digress. Golden Features was a secret for a long time, no one actually knowing who he was, but I’ve since done some research (hello facebook) and found out he is Tom Stell, which actually doesn’t mean anything to me, but one things for sure, he’s quite talented isn’t he? Busy producing his own work instead of others seems to have paid off for him, if ‘No One’ is any indication, its rapid beats are a perfect accessory to Thelma’s magnificent vocal. Whoever you are Tom and whatever you’re doing, keep doing it. (Jo Michelmore) 

#31. NEVER BE
by Meg Mac





I get lost in the world in a day
All I'm saying, you get trapped in the world in a day.

Meg Mac. Matt and I have a joke about her being from Sydney. Which isn't funny in itself, but I don't need to explain our jokes to you, he'll do a good enough job of that himself. Meg Mac has already been named a bunch of things by people other than Matt and I, places like JJJ, Rolling Stone and the like, so an appearance in our countdown probably doesn't mean much, but at least we have more to say about her than Nova. Anyway, the important part here is how good this song is; part soul, part pop, it feels like a gospel church service, can I hear an amen? I've never been to a gospel church service. I have been to Sydney though. You know something about Sydney? That's where Meg Mac is from. Amen. (Jo Michelmore)

Meg Mac. She's from Sydney, you know? While that might be the best a daytime Nova presenter can come up with after playing 'Never Be', you feel like maybe the song left him so speechless... astounded... mystified... that the best he could do was acknowledge that such a talent is one of Australia's own. Which really shouldn't be a surprise either, AUS music is the best. After killing it in the 2014 Hottest 100 (and deservedly so), the Mac found herself one of the country's most celebrated artists. And that took her all over the world, sharing her beautiful music with a diverse and much appreciative audience. Keeping hard at work, we were treated to the new single 'Never Be', arguably the best outing yet from this soulful stunner. Everything Mac has released so far has been excellent, so it could turn into quite the debate, but yeah, for my money 'Never Be' is where it's at. A piano driven pop gem that once more shows the depth and power of Meg Mac's voice. And it provides a mighty singalong too. There's nothing better than a good singalong. 2014 and 2015 were big for Meg Mac. 2016 will likely be massive. Bring it on! (Matt Bond) 

There's only 30 songs left to go... and we'll be back with the #30 - #21 on Saturday!

 

 

Top 25 - 1 March, 2015

Asta, Karl S. Williams + Lurch & Chief!

1. Tired Lion - I Don't Think You Like Me





2. Tkay Maidza - M.O.B.





3. Lurch and Chief - Fading Out (NEW)





4. OKENYO - Just A Story (NEW)





 5. Our Man In Berlin - Moliere





6. Big Smoke - Try A Little Love (NEW)





7. The Rebel Light - Strangers





8. Florence + The Machine - What Kind of Man





9. Karl S. Williams - Is This Love? (NEW)





10. James Chatburn x Jordan Rakei - Holiday Love





11. Passerine - Set Me Alight





12. Ainslie Wills - Drive





13. Asta ft. Allday - Dynamite (NEW)





14. Sarah Belkner - Humans (NEW)





15. Big Strong Brute - Wedding Pages





16. Little Earthquake - I Am Alive (NEW)





17. Chris Watts - Broken Bones





18. Lanks - Hold Me Closer (NEW)





19. Gena Rose Bruce - Cheated





20. Taylor Swift - Style





21. Passion Pit - Lifted Up (1985)





22. NYUON - Your City





23. Best Coast - California Nights (NEW)





24. Wolf Alice - Giant Peach (NEW)





25. Winterbourne - Steady My Bones

10 Very Good Reasons To Make A Trip To Woodfordia...

Woodford Folk Festival 2013 Preview:

by Matt Bond

Woodford has grown into one of the most intriguing Australian music festivals and, heading into its 28th iteration, is offering the best line-up yet for potential punters. So instead of making New Year's plans that are certain to end with a three hour wait for a cab and a waste of money on entry to an overcrowded club you'll be sure to hate for the next five years... why don't you grab a bunch of your friends and head to Woodfordia for the 2013 Woodford Folk Festival, which runs from December 27 - January 1. 

Trade in the Krispy Kreme donuts from 7-11 and the dirty kebab from that shop in the Fortitude Valley you're convinced is bribing the health inspector for some fine food and drink from one of fifty-one cafes or restaurants, like Byron Bay Organic Doughnuts or Jerusalem Felafel. Instead of listening to your friend having a drunken break-down in the bathroom, you could be hanging out with Bob Hawke giving a talk in defence of modern democracy. And instead of listening to the mind-numbing doof-doof beats, surrounded by teenager chewing their faces off and vomiting in decorative pot plants, you could be listening to festival headliners - Beth Orton, Tim Finn and The Basics.

There's a hundred and one reasons to go to the Woodford Folk Festival, but we are all about the music around these parts... so here's ten very good reasons to make a trip to Woodfordia in December. 

Busby Marou

Performing Friday and Saturday!

Castlecomer

Performing Saturday - Wednesday!

Chance Waters

Performing Saturday - Monday!

Clare Bowditch

Performing Sunday and Monday!

Half Moon Run

Performing Friday - Sunday!

Karl S Williams

Performing Saturday and Monday!

Michelle Xen and The Neon Wild

Performing Sunday! 

Phebe Starr

Performing Friday and Sunday!

The Bombay Royale

Performing Saturday and Sunday!

Thelma Plum

Performing Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday!

Grab a bunch of good friends and head to the Woodford Folk Festival this New Year's! There's still pre-festival online discounts on tickets which you can get all your info on from the Woodford site. While you're there, check out the rest of the program and all the events. Trust me, it'll be better than waiting an hour and a half for a drink in an overcrowded club, surrounding by increasingly sweaty "people". P.s. you're welcome.

BIGSOUND Live 2013

While BIGSOUND 2013 is well and truly over for another year, we can still bask in the beauty that was. Two mid week nights in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley, many diverse and sometimes interesting fans of music, twelve diverse and sometimes interesting venues and a whole bunch of diverse and sometimes interesting musicians, BIGSOUND Live is a music event like no other. While Matt and Nayt have already given their opinions on the event and there's a whole bunch of BIGSOUND pics, videos and loving going on over at It's My Kind Of Scene on facebook, for now it's Jo and Katie's turn. Good? Bad? Indifferent? Diverse? Interesting? Probably all of those things and a little bit more...

The Music. It's All About The Music

by Jo Michelmore

Music showcases are such an interesting concept. Heaps of musicians, fans and music industry professionals (read: people who wish they were musicians) in one small space all looking at each other, chatting to each other, drinking with each other, judging each other and sometimes, every now and then, actually liking each other. While the BIGSOUND conference aspect is something I'm yet to experience, that's not really the part I'm interested in anyway, for me it's all about the music. Less analysing and more listening, discovering and dancing. So it was with a sense of discovery and adventure I made my way to BIGSOUND Live 2013, with an (almost) complete IMKOS team all ready to experience one of my favourite things in the world - live music. 

The night started with Mama Kin and wow, what a start. Bakery Lane is such a funny little spot to watch music, it's almost like walking in on a suburban wedding reception or a regional RSL's beer garden. Once you've made your way through the (annoying, chatting) line up at the bar, you're faced with a marquee and a stage, which is absolutely no indication as how good the music is going to be from that stage. I thought Mama Kin was going to be a sweet, pop start to my night, but I wasn't prepared for the awesome full sound from the band and the incredibly soulful tunes and voice of Danielle Caruana. This was a hard band to leave, I really wanted to see more but knew I'd have to move on to get the most of my BIGSOUND experience and even though I only saw three songs, they were three that left a huge impression. 

Yes, well, here's where the music showcase thing gets annoying. Katie and I both made our way to Oh Hello for a band that I was totally looking forward to seeing, MTNS. I have fallen totally in love with this band since seeing them at the Black Bear a couple of months ago and it seems I may not be the only one. There were quite a few people at Oh Hello, clearly wanting to see this incredible, reasonably new Brisband, but they've obviously been christened somehow a 'next big thing', which is so great for them, but not for the people who were at BIGSOUND to see some live music, as opposed to the back of photographers heads. I counted twelve at one stage, all lined up at the stage all taking awesome shots, I'm sure, but I would have liked to see that cute little drummers face once or twice and I would have liked to have caught the intense look on Tom's face as he crooned some of his delicious vocals to the breathless crowd. While I'm really, really hoping these guys achieve some of the commercial success that's predicted for them at the moment, I'll just keep my fingers crossed that they play another (non-showcase) gig for me to enjoy, soon.

So, it was with a little disappointment I left the photographers at Oh Hello and made my way to the Press Club to see Lakyn. I'm going to be honest and say this one was a guess, I was closest to the Press Club and it was the easiest place to be in between some other artists I really wanted to see. This is the great thing about BIGSOUND though, because sometimes you discover things you wouldn't have otherwise known. Lakyn had a beautiful voice, exuded and unassuming confidence and even managed to (mostly) keep my attention while the person next to me screamed at their friends (?) at the bar; "Red! I said red! No! Not white! I'm drinking red! Yes, red!" Well done Lakyn, I look forward to discovering more of you in the near future. 

Yukon Blonde - Photography by Damian Comans

After deciding not to get myself my own glass of red, I decided I should head to The Zoo and see what the fuss about Yukon Blonde was. They were my first Canadian band of the night (is it just me, or is there a weird Canadian connection with BIGSOUND artists?) and they weren't disappointing. 'My Girl' and 'Radio' were both incredibly catchy, with cute harmonies and an almost 60s surf rock feel, these guys weren't even put off by the sole man standing at the very front of the stage staring at them. They were great and I declared myself a fan quickly. These are the kind of declarations you have to make at this kind of event, because there's always something else mind blowing you have to see at the next venue...

  

..and welcome to the mind blowing part of BIGSOUND for me: Jones Jnr. Oh my. This I was not ready for. Two guys, one on decks and technical things, one at a microphone and a sound I almost find indescribable. I can call it all the things they do on their facebook page: gospel, soul, hip hop...none of those words do justice to the sounds I heard on Wednesday night. None of those words describe that thing that sometimes happens at live music gigs, where everything around disappears and the music completely encompasses every part of your self. These are two musicians that managed to stop me completely, caused the most incredible goosebumps and almost had me at tears with their fabulous sound. I desperately wanted this to be a full gig, not a showcase, I wanted to tell everyone else to go home, these guys should be on all night. Alas, I only saw three songs before they ended, but they were three songs I haven't forgotten and three songs that I am now desperate to see again. At the end of the night, Jones Jnr. are the ones I declared my definite favourites. Amazing. Mind. Blown.

It took me a little while to make my way from The Rev to the next venue 633 Ann, because I was so taken with what I'd witnessed in Jones Jnr., but the band that took the stage Little Bastard, were the perfect combination of fun and bouncing to slam me back into the reality of where I was and what I was doing. Seven members, all with the same amount of energy and smiles, this was just a good time. The crowd were dancing, the band were jumping and the words controlled chaos come to mind when I think of what I saw. Fun is exactly what was called for midway through the night and fun is what was delivered. 

Sidney York - Photography by Cordell Sanders

I was surprised to walk into the Press Club and see....virtually no one. What? What was going on here? Another Canadian act, Sidney York deserved a lot more people than eventually turned up to see them at the small venue that the Press Club is. Having said that, the lack people there showed me what kind of band Sidney York are and you know what that is? An awesome band. They played with all heart and soul to the table of five and myself at the front of the venue, they played like they were playing to thousands and they played like they love what they do, regardless of who is watching. I loved that about them and it's something to be completely admired about musicians who play because they have to, because music is everything. I saw these girls the next night, buying themselves a late night pie, so I hope they had just as much fun supporting other musicians on night two. They definitely won me over with their cute lyrics, bouncy dancing and weird instruments on night one. Sidney York? Declare me a fan.

I felt like I kind of had to make my way to the Black Bear to see Darren Middleton, after all, he was a member of one of Brisbane's biggest bands in Powderfinger. One day they might have a bridge named after them and I'll be able to say "I saw that Darren character in the Black Bear once, he was alright" except I'll probably say he was good, because he actually was. There's a definite feel of the middle of the road rock that Powderfinger were so good at, but that's not a bad thing. I even managed to take one of the seats on the side of the very full Black Bear so I could stand above all and see what was going on and although there were obviously a lot of people there so they could say the same thing when the Powderfinger Bridge is opened, there were a lot of fans nodding along to some solid guitars and vocals. I also enjoyed the part where Darren said "this was meant to be an acoustic set, but I had an acoustic disaster, so fuck it...". Oh well, either way, it was an impressive set.

Money For Rope were my filler band, the band I saw while on my way to another band, but I'm going to say, they weren't disappointing. It's hard not to create a full sound with six members, but while some bands might just create a mess with that many instruments, Money For Rope create a sound exactly as they describe, it's a surf garage pop rock sound that is kind of delicious. They've just reached their target in a Pozible campaign to send themselves to Europe and from the couple of songs I saw, they're a band that deserve every success they achieve along the way. 

I have been a fan of Halfway for a long time now, so I was kind of a little more than excited to see them on the BIGSOUND line up. I made my way to the front of the Black Bear to be completely swept up in the beautiful sounds this band have always managed to make. I was lost in the perfect country sounds and was swept away with their story telling ways, the way all good country bands should tell heartbreaking and life affirming tales. Halfway managed to finish my night in the perfect way, a fabulous reminder that regardless of genre, regardless of style, a good musician is a special thing to see, a good gig is one of my favourite things in the world and regardless of how much you talk about it, whether you are an music industry representative, a fan, a person selling beers at the bar or the guy at the door of your favourite venue, ultimately, it's the music, because the music is that bit that makes you smile, makes you cry, makes you dance and makes you come back for more, every time. It's the music, it's always about the music.

Loud T-Shirts, Paparazzi, Beards And Liquor

by Katie Langley

Jo and I made our way to the front to watch Mama Kin and I fell in love. I found myself mesmerised, particularly during “Red Wood River”. The combination Mama Kin’s soulful voice and ukulele tugged at my heart strings. Other notable mention is the keyboardists amazingly loud t-shirt.


All of the cool kids told me I needed to see up-and-comers MTNS. Watching their set was quite frustrating as a swarm of paparazzi milled around the front of the stage. Nevertheless, the band did their thing well, and the crowd enjoyed. The paps were too much for me though, so I made an exit.

After reading Pataphysics described as “soulful guerrilla hip hop” I knew I had to see their set. And I’m so glad I did. Amazing hip hop full of political lyrics, and trumpet. That trumpet won me over.





I was pleasantly surprised and delighted by Jones Jnr. It’s unlike anything I’ve listened to before. I squeezed to the front so that I could fully appreciate their creepy disco and gospel sounds. I can’t wait to hear more of their music.


I love an all-girl band, so there was no question that I was going to see She Rex. I knew nothing about their sound, but really enjoyed their hip hop/rock infusion. Vocalist Nikkita had so much energy, she was amazing. The best way I could describe She Rex is if the members of Rage against the Machine had daughters and they all formed a band. Love!





My decision to see Little Bastard was based solely on name. I came part way through their set and knew I was in for a treat when I saw seven members on stage. There were guitars, bass, fiddle, banjo, harmonica, mandolin, beats, and loads of sweet sweet harmonies. At times it was chaotic, but always amazing. All of the guys are extremely talented musicians.


Sidney York, a collaboration between an opera singer and bassoonist was something I had to see. Beautiful, soulful and best enjoyed with a nice glass of red.

This was another decision I made based on band name. And it paid off! I really loved Canada’s The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer blues vibe.

Karl S Williams - Photography by Cordell Sanders

I caught part of Karl S. Williams recently supporting Kira Puru and the Blue Murders and knew I had to come back for more. He is truly captivating, with an aura that radiates. I was lost in his amazing music, particularly “Darkest Cloud”. Karl S. Williams is truly a gem.

I caught the end of Citizen Kay’s set and was blown away. He had so much energy, bouncing all over the stage. It was infectious – the whole room was moving. The drumming was phenomenal. Would definitely like to see more!

Gay Paris - Photography by Cordell Sanders

After meeting the lovely Barefoot Alley in the audience and actually introducing myself as “Katie from It’s My Kind of Scene” (cringe!) I found myself a prime position near the front of the stage. There’s always an element of fear and surprise being so close to Gay Paris, but that’s part of the charm. Their set involved crowd surfing (by the audience, and band members), requests for drugs and liquor, thrusting, cheering, and a whole lot of getting up close and personal with the front row. I was hoping for more nudity, but I suppose there’s always next time.

There’s no doubt about it – Gay Paris delivered the best set at BIGSOUND.


I couldn’t believe how many beards there were in the audience to see Grizzly Jim Lawrie. Even the band members were rocking some sweet facial hair. Suffice to say I was in my element. Oh yeah, the music was pretty good too! Lovely, relaxed, free of pretension.

When I heard that New Zealand rockers Villainy are known for their no holds barred performances, I knew I had to see them. It was great to see heavier music being represented at BIGSOUND. All of the band members were full of energy, particularly front man Neill. I dug it.


For me BIGSOUND is all about opening my heart and mind to new music. I would never have imagined that I would enjoy a country/rock band. We The Ghosts were polished and impressive.

I was absolutely blown away by Willow Beats.This electronic uncle/niece duo has such a unique sound. The best description I can think of is Skrillex meets baby M.I.A. – but that doesn’t do them justice. Their music took over my body and I found myself writhing around on the dance floor. I can’t wait to hear more of their music!

 Your Favourite Enemies 

- Photography by Cordell Sanders

I came mid-way through Your Favourite Enemies set and was immediately struck by two things – the amazing hair of both guitarists (our children would have great hair), and the energy in the room. The crowd had all moved quite close to the stage. These Canadian rockers are clearly skilled at their craft. Again, it was awesome to see heavier music being represented.

Loved the grizzly blues that Harry Hookey delivered. Apparently Harry gave up a career in law to pursue his music. I think that’s a decision that’s paid off.